"Lessons learned at the end of life teaching us how to live today!"

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Rob Spencer MD

Physician, teacher, friend…

Rob Spencer has been involved with end of life care since 1981, first as a volunteer, then as an emergency medical technician and hospice nursing assistant. Subsequently, he received a B.A. in psychology from Yale College and graduated from Yale School of Medicine in 1990, when hospice and palliative care was not yet a recognized specialty. Dr. Spencer completed an anesthesiology residency and pain management fellowship, becoming board certified in both these fields. When finally recognized as a specialty, he achieved board certification in hospice and palliative medicine as well.

Appointed by the Governor of New Hampshire to serve on a legislative commission to study palliative care, Dr. Spencer became increasingly convinced that our culture will not be prepared for the pending tsunami of end of life needs. Concerned about the baby boomers themselves, their loved ones, and their professional and non-professional caregivers, he observed that even those of us who are not yet sick, by becoming mindful of our mortality, can heighten our appreciation of life, soothe our fears, promote healing of past wounds and losses. Through preparation, we can reduce hardship for ourselves and our loved ones at the time of death. To help us achieve these goals, Dr. Spencer created “Mindful Mortality: Lessons learned at the end of life teaching us how to live today!”

Drawing on clinical work and experiences with meditation and mindfulness, Dr. Spencer adapted tools and techniques used in patient care for the benefit of people who are alive and well. Rob’s hope is to help people live more intentionally and joyfully now, while also seeking to reduce our fears and overcome our cultural taboo regarding end of life. His gentle strength and humor provide comfort and laughter in the process.